From One Girl to Another

In March the Harrison Chamber and Tammy and Trish Galloway of Longer Table hosted a gathering for women in business. They expected a few people to show up and were surprised when more than 25 women and one supportive gentleman attended.

The gathering was one big conversation about the unique challenges and opportunities for women owned and operated businesses.

"It's very exciting to see the growth in Harrison coming from so many small businesses owned by local women." said Wendy Heinig of the Harrison Chamber when I spoke with her about the event. Heinig emceed the event and helped make introductions.

Women in supportive positions were there too, like Sarah Adkins of Michigan Works! and Maye Rood from Hayes Township. It reminded me of the connections at Harrison’s Rotary Club meetings. Unfortunately, the club was disbanded after the pandemic.

The Harrison Rotary Club was unique in that the membership split was 80/20, with 80% women. Most Rotary clubs are the opposite, the 20% is female and there is a push to recruit women for membership.

Clare County has a lot of women in leadership positions, both elected and appointed. This is a sign of the times. When I look in the Cleaver archives in the ’50s and ’60s the pages are full of men in suits and ties in election announcements and local government.

We have certainly felt the pain of our she/her pronouns here at Cleaver. Women have always worked, and worked hard at the Cleaver, but there was never before a woman at the helm. Numerous times I have been referred to as the girl, the gal, and the little girl. I’m hardly a girl – I’ll be 50 this year!

Another gathering will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 20 at Longer Table on Second Street in Harrison. All women in any stage of business ownership or leadership are welcome.

The supportive camaraderie and the food prepared by Longer Table will make a fun “girls” night out.